Rain Thursday followed by Possible Snow into Friday-Hazardous Weather Outlook

Rain will develop across the area during the day on Thursday, with the rain possibly mixing with or changing over to light snow east of the I-24 corridor on Thursday evening. 

A dusting to one-half inch of snow is possible in the Upper Cumberland and on the Cumberland Plateau. More rain, possibly mixed with snow, is expected from late Saturday afternoon through Sunday night across Middle Tennessee. Too much uncertainty remains on whether any snow accumulations will occur.

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TBI Says California Drug Distributors seeking Foothold in Middle Tennessee

NASHVILLE –  Special Agents with the Drug Investigation Division of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the seizure of about five pounds of the drug commonly referred to as “Molly”.

During the course of the investigation, TBI Drug Agents received information that a drug trafficking organization from the west coast wanted to begin a distribution cell in Middle Tennessee. Agents learned that a delivery was scheduled to be made to an address in Murfreesboro. On January 29^th, with the assistance of detectives with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and Murfreesboro Police Department, Agents developed information that led to the seizure of five pounds of MDA, and the arrest of two individuals.

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“This concerns us because it’s an unusually large amount of this drug that was seized,” says Assistant Director T.J. Jordan of the Drug Investigation Division. “In the form in which it was delivered, it would likely be turned around and used in thousands of pills and capsules for distribution throughout Tennessee.”

"This situation again shows the importance of partnerships between our local law enforcement agencies and the TBI," says Murfreesboro Police Chief Mike Bowen.  "We are proud of the efforts of all officers involved."

MDA or "Molly"

Rutherford County Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh echoed the benefits of cooperative efforts, saying "the partnership with TBI and other law enforcement agencies shows a united goal in drug enforcement.”

On Monday, Kyle Dallas Bowen, (DOB 10/27/1994) and Trey Nicholas Jones, (DOB 06/09/1981), were arrested and charged with one count of Schedule 6 for Resale and one count of Possession of Schedule 1. They were booked into the Rutherford County Jail, where they are each being held on a $100,000 bond.

Kyle Bowen

Trey Jones

Upcoming Events in February at Crossville's Historic Palace Theatre

February 2018 Palace Calendar

2/5 (Mon) Travelogue Series: “The Misty Isles of Scotland” 7PM $8

2/6 (Tues) Arts Round-Up Meeting 12PM

2/8 (Thurs) Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out Live 7PM $19 (In Advance), $23 (Day of Show)

2/14 (Wed) Bryan Symphony Orchestra Luncheon

2/16 (Fri) Larry Gatlin Live 7PM $50 (VIP Rows 1-4), $29 (Rows 5-15), $25 (Balcony) $5 more day of show

2/17 (Sat) CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) Mr. Cumberland County Womanless Beauty Pageant 2PM $15

2/24 (SAT) The Primitive Quartet Gospel Music 7PM

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*Tickets for most events may be purchased at the Palace or online by cash, check or credit card. Palace Box Office hours are Tuesday – Friday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
All tickets sales are final. 

Events listed are subject to change.
Order by phone 931-484-6133 or by internet at palacetheatre-crossville.com
Email - palace@crossvilletn.gov

Business Winding Down at one long-time Crossville Retailer; Changes for Customers of Others.

With a targeted closing date just over 2 months away, the Crossville Kmart Store continues its ongoing clearance sale.

Crossville Kmart Store

  
With the increase in online sales and less foot traffic at retail stores the Kmart/Sears stores company continue closing, hoping to find profitability in the mix somewhere. 

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Kmart Pharmacy customers have had their prescriptions transferred across the street to the Kroger Pharmacy creating some lines for customers there.

Crossville Kmart Store

The Crossville Walmart is in the process of greatly increasing the self-service checkout lines and will be testing out the new program where a customer can take a scanner around with them to scan items as they go into the shopping cart and then pay without a checker.  There is an app for smartphones and the story will also have scanners a customer can pick up when entering the store.

Photo courtesy Walmart

Walmart's system is designed to allow customers to pay directly from their phones with a Walmart account and they can even weigh their produce when they pick it out with special scales that link to the Scan and Go system. 

Photo courtesy of Walmart

Three years ago Walmart attempted to roll out such a system but it did not catch on.  They are hoping the newer system brings customers around. 

Some of these changes have raised concerns about reducing local employment and privacy concerns as retailers learn more and more about shoppers habits and purchases.

CIty Council approves Hotel/Motel Tax for a 2nd Time Over Concerns of local Hotel Operators.

Even though several Crossville hotel operators showed up to express concern about the city's plan in increase the hotel/motel tax the city council approved the second resolution necessary to send the matter on to the General Assembly.

With the county's current tax at 7.5 percent, sales tax at 9.75 percent and an additional 3 percent proposed by the city the total tax on a hotel room in Crossville would be 20.25 percent. As of 2015, only one county in Tennessee had a higher hotel/motel tax rate than the amount that could be charged to visitors if the matter is approved.

City Council, city manager, and city attorney meet to

discuss the city's proposed hotel/motel tax.

The motion to approve the resolution for the second time as required in the state law was made by Councilman Danny Wyatt and seconded by councilman J. H. Graham.

David Padgett with the local Hampton Inn told the council while travelers just passing through might not be affected, his corporate clients would since they set budgets and if the cost rises they would likely cut back on their nights staying in Crossville. According to Padgett, the additional 3 percent city tax on top of the 17.25 percent for sales tax and the county hotel/motel tax represents a 17 percent increase in the tax on local hotel rooms. “That's pretty substantial,” added Padgett.

Crossville hotel operators came to express their thoughts

about the proposed tax.  David Padgett of the Hampton Inn, center 

spoke on behalf of other local hotel businesses

With the local market softer and Padgett saying his occupancy rate stands at 72.35 percent instead of the 85 percent of larger communities like Nashville, Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, areas that have more to offer in amenities outside of tourism like better restaurants and attractions.

“I'm actually OK with an increase, but let's phase it in over a while,” urged Padgett.

Visit Cookeville Ford Lincoln website.

Mr. Graham outlined the reasons for the proposed action, “This tax, if approved by the General Assembly, will be used for the increase of tourism, to provide more events and more functions to attract more individuals to stay with us in this area.”

In comparison to the hotel/motel tax for Cookeville, they charge 15.75 percent total and have no city hotel/motel tax and are now 1.5 percent less than Crossville but that difference will increase to 4.5 percent less if the Crossville increase goes through. Mayor James Mayberry said he was not sure if that difference would save anyone money with the cost of driving from Cookeville to Crossville though the hotel operators pointed out that if a ball team or other group needed several rooms that difference would add up and could make the difference where people decide to stay.

City Manager Greg Wood said that one of the reasons the city is looking at the tax is because the county does not use revenue in the way the city plans to.

Council Member Pamala Harris said she could see both sides and that there were more things to do in Crossville than just the State Park and Golf.

The Crossville Cumberland Co. Sports and Event Committee was briefly discussed and Doug Parkey who is working to organize the group told the council that group planned to maximize the use of the facilities the city currently has, look at what possible facilities the community might need and recruiting sporting and other events to the community like festivals and concerts. Parkey pointed out that he expects there to be donations from businesses and others to support the council and that not all the funding would come from the new tax.

All four of the council members present voted in favor of the measure and sending the request for action to the state legislature. Councilman Scot Shanks was not present at the meeting.   

Former 25th District State Representative Raymond Walker dies.

Raymond Walker, 82, who served as the 25th District State Representative from 1996 to 2004 died on January 21 in Rhea Co. Lifecare Center.

Walker was a member of the 100th through the 103rd General Assemblies representing Bledow, Rhea and Cumberland Counties and served in the 1977 Tennessee Constitutional Convention.

Walker worked to bring road and industry to the area and also worked to bring the jobs of the Southeast Regional Prison to the area.

Walker was a Farm Bureau agent for 41 years and was also a dairy farmer.

He is survived by his wife Sue, of 60 years, and two sons Barry and Kieth Walker.  Funeral Services were held Tuesday, January 23 with burial in the Spring City Memorial Gardens on January 24.

Click here for Cookeville Ford Lincoln website.

Palace Sidewalk "Walk of Fame" Stones to be moved indoors

The City of Crossville plans to move the Palace Theatre sidewalk stones out of the weather for their protection according to information given out by city manager Greg Wood at the Council's Thursday special called meeting.

The announcement explained that "Over the years, the commemorative stonework in front of the Palace has taken a beating, including drivers coming over the curb and breaking stones."

Damaged stones in front of the Palace Theatre showing

cracks and damage from weather and salt used

to de-ice roads and sidewalks

The stones, originally put down in 2001 were a fundraiser for the restoration of the Palace while work was going on and many thousands of dollars were raised with the stones and engraved tiles in the lobby.

Exclusive Jim Young Reporter photo of Palace Sidewalk

stones being installed July 18, 2001, by students of

the then Vocational School now Tennessee College

of Applied Technology.

The stones were a potential problem in plans for redoing sidewalks in the downtown area a couple years ago and once the stones are removed, a new regular sidewalk will be laid in front of the Theatre. They have been cleaned and sealed several times since they were put down 16 years ago but quartzite sandstone is not as resilient as other types of stones for this type of use.

The work is expected to start in February, weather permitting.

New Candidates for County Races plus County Commission and BOE Races Starting to take Shape.

Some new candidates have taken out papers to run for Cumberland County Mayor including one new Republican and an independent.

So far there are three candidates who have qualified for the May County Primary election including Timothy A. Claflin, Allen Foster and J.C. Hancock.

Other candidates have taken out papers and have until February 15 at noon to return them. In addition to previous candidates, one new potential candidate took out papers this week to run, Randall Kidwell. Kidwell is an environmental consultant and son of Tom Kidwell who served as Crossville City Manager, a County Commissioner and served on the board of the Catoosa Water Utility District. Other potential candidates previously reported include Doug Scarlett and Ligue Wisdom.

An Independent candidate for County Mayor has taken out papers, Sandra Lee (Sandy) Davis. If she qualifies she will be on the August Ballot as an independent but does not have to run on the May Primary.

Two candidates have qualified for the Republican Primary for Circuit Court Clerk, Jessica R. Burgess and Nick Neal had qualified as of January 25th.

Incumbent Judy Graham Swallows has qualified for the Register of Deeds on the Democratic primary.

Incumbent Sheriff Casey Cox has qualified for the Republican primary, Incumbent Kim Tollett Wyatt has qualified for Trustee on the Republican Primary and incumbent Jule Bryson has qualified for County Clerk on the Republican Primary.

There are now three Republican candidates for the office of County Road Superintending including incumbent Scott Blaylock, Stanley L. Hall and Kevin D. Music.

Candidates for the August County Election for County Commission and Board of Education (BOE) have also started to come in. Two commissioners from each district and one BOE member will be elected. Most of these have taken out papers but not yet returned them.

Candidates for First District Commissioner Include:

Christopher D. Coleman

R. J. Crawford

Chad Norris

Sue Ann York

Second District

Nancy Hyder

Third District None yet

Fourth District

Gary L. Adams

Joe Dunn

Mary Jane Franklin

David H. Gibson

Fifth District

Terry Lowe

Toshia Phillips Powers

Tony Soriano

Sixth District None yet

Seventh District

Wm. Mark Baldwin

Elbert Farley

Michael J. Hamby

Roy Turner

Eighth District

Jim Blalock

Deborah Brook

Chris Singer

Darrell Wyatt

Ninth District

John L. Patterson Jr.

BOE Third District

Shirley French Parris

Jay Wright

BOE Seventh District

Rebecca Hamby

BOE Ninth District

Aretie G. Patterson

Agenda Released for City Council Special Called Meeting Thursday January 25 at Noon on Proposed Hotel/Motel Tax

Crossville city council will meet in special called session at Noon on Thursday, January 25 for an expected brief meeting.

The Main item on the agenda is the required second approval of a resolution requesting the Tennessee General Assembly approve a change to the Crossville City Charter allowing the city to assess a hotel/motel tax proposed at 3 percent. 

Crossville City Hall

In addition, the resolution requests the legislature to approve a waiver to actually allow the city to legally assess the tax.  The state has issued a number of such waivers in the last few years as the law does not allow both the county and city to assess the tax unless it was done prior to 1988 or whichever entity instituted it first.  The County currently charges a 7.5 percent hotel/motel tax.

According to Cumberland County Finance Director Nathan Brock in the fiscal year 2016-17 the County collected $829,757.00.  The city's expected revenue from the tax would be just under $300,000 for the same time frame. 

The resolution was first approved in a special called meeting on Tuesday evening January 23.

Other items on the agenda are routine ordinance readings including establishing the Sports and Event Council, budget amendments and final reading of the ordinance discouraging smoking at Garrison Park. 

Body Found in Holiday Lake, Believed to be Man Missing from early Janaury.

Crossville Police Department Press Release:

On the morning of Wednesday, the 24^th of January, 2018, the Crossville Police Department, working in conjunction with members of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Crossville Fire Department’s dive team, were investigating the area of Holiday Lake, in an attempt to locate a missing person.

The body of an adult male was recovered from the water, at approximately 10:35 am. The identity has not been confirmed but is believed to be that of Benjamin Heino, who was last seen at his Flamingo Drive residence on Friday 12/29/17, in Crossville, TN.

Holiday Lake file photo

Due to the freezing temperatures and the inaccessibility to the frozen lake, search efforts have been delayed until today. Following the recovery efforts, the investigation will continue. Any further information will be released upon the receipt of a positive identification and the completed investigation.

Our appreciation goes out to the assisting agencies for their valuable experience and expertise, which led to the successful and safe completion of this search.

City of Crossville and Local Animal Welfare Groups Working Together.

Editor's note: The following information was provided by Crossville City Manager Greg Wood as part of efforts in partnership with animal welfare groups in the community and start a dialog in the community.  Your comments are welcome and will be shared with city officials. 

Don’t Tie Me Down

At the request of local animal rescues, the City of Crossville requested its staff form a task force to examine ways of legislating more cost-effective and humane care and control of dogs and community cats within the City. On the table for discussion were the tethering of dogs, trap, neuter, release/return (TNR) programs for community cats, and euthanasia of animals. The task force met and felt the first step was to begin an education process to help pet owners and the community understand the benefits of implementing the suggested changes.

One major item of discussion was tethering dogs. Research has shown dogs that are continuously tethered are much more likely to bite. Closely associated with that is a dog’s access to its food and water, especially, as often happens, the tether becomes wrapped around an object preventing the dog from reaching food or water and also shelter. The other issue also often associated with tethering is shelter from the weather or more properly lack of shelter because it is either not supplied or cannot be reached because of the entanglement issues associated with tethering.

The group realizes that sometimes tethering is the only option for a dog owner and some provision needs to be made for temporary measures. However, area rescues advocate alternatives such as kennels that will not require a large amount of property and allow a dog unencumbered access to food, water, and shelter. The result being a safer, happier, and healthier environment for the pet, the owners, and the neighborhood.

Dogs at the Cumberland County Animal Shelter

Another area that needs to be addressed are community cats, not to be confused with friendly strays. A common misconception is that neighborhoods would be better if these cats were completely eliminated. This contradicts evidence provided by the rescue groups which shows, these cats keep populations of unwanted wildlife such as rats and mice in check. They also protect their territory, so eliminating them just leaves a vacuum which results in new cats coming into a neighborhood. Many feel the better alternative is trap, neuter, release/return (TNR). This keeps the population where it needs to be (by stopping the multiplication issue) and allows the cats to be a beneficial part of an ecosystem.

There are several area animal welfare organizations that are working towards these goals including A Time for Paws (www.atime4paws.org/), Wags and Whiskers (http://www.wawpr.org/), and FOCCAS (https://foccas-tn.org/). Currently, FOCCAS is developing a program called FOCCAS On Breaking the Chains. This program seeks to help local families get as many dogs off tethers as possible. FOCCAS will find low cost, quality fencing materials, to be purchased by the pet owner, and their volunteers will provide installation and labor free of charge. Eventually, they hope to find funding to cover the expenses of the material for low-income families.

City Council Votes to seek 3% Hotel/Motel Tax to fund Tourism and Economic Development.

The Crossville City Council approved the first of 2 resolution votes required to request that the Tennessee General Assembly approve allowing the city to put a hotel/motel tax in effect.

In order to approve the resolution for the required second time and get the paperwork to Nashville, the council will hold another special called meeting on Thursday, January 25 at noon.

Currently, Cumberland County has a 7.5 percent hotel/motel tax that has been in effect for several years and under the Tennessee State law the city has been prohibited from adding a hotel/motel tax but recently some waivers have been added to the bill by the General Assembly allowing a way around the law.

City manager Greg Wood, left and 4 of 5 council members

discuss the addition of a citywide 3 percent hotel/motel

tax. Also pictured are council members J.H. Graham,

Danny Wyatt, Mayor James Mayberry, and Pamala Harris.

Council member Scot Shanks was not present.

Councilman Danny Wyatt proposed the action to add a 3 percent city hotel/motel tax with the revenue to be earmarked for economic development and tourism. The resolution would request a change in the city's charter to be able to assess and collect the tax and for a waiver from the current state law. Councilman J. H. Graham supported the motion.

With the 9.75 percent sales tax along with the county and proposed city hotel/motel tax, the total tax on a hotel stay would be 20.25 percent. Most areas in Tennessee have a total of 19.75 and the highest in the state from 2015 is 21.75.

Discussion lead to some changes in the motion but it was stressed that the city's action would not affect the county's current hotel/motel tax that would remain in place. Council member Pam Harris asked if anyone had discussed the matter with local hotel owners to see how they thought it might affect their business? Harris also wondered if such additional tax might hurt tourism.

Wyatt said he thought the funds should be under the control of the city manager to decide what to use the funds for such as Parks and Recreation, tourism or golfing.

Mayor James Mayberry said he couldn't vote for it unless the funds went through the budget process and the council decided the use of the money. With that added to the motion, all four council members present voted in favor of the motion.

Because of the deadline to get the information to Nashville and the schedule of council members another called meeting was set for Thursday, January 25 at noon.   

Council also approved authorizing the application for a 10,000 grant toward playground equipment at Garrison park and other items on the consent agenda.

Sobriety Checkpoints Set for February 4 by Crossville Police Department.

From a CPD Release:

The City of Crossville Police Department, working in connection with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, will be conducting sobriety checkpoints on February 4, 2018, beginning at 6 PM and continuing through 10 PM.

During that time period, the Police Department will be conducting the sobriety checkpoints in the areas of Lantana Road, Peavine Road and Highway 127 in an effort to put an end to impaired driving.  Motorists are urged to use caution when driving in these areas. Do not approach checkpoints with your high beams headlights on and always slow down when approaching the checkpoint areas.

Police officials urge everyone to buckle up, drive safely and do not drink and drive.

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Emma Grace Christopher Named Student of the Month for Honesty

The January Student of the Month from Martin Elementary School was recognized at the Crossville City Council meeting. 

Emma Grace Christopher was recognized for her character trait of honesty.  In the Fifth Grade class of Ms. Kim Smith, Emma was described as "Honest in both her word and actions toward those in her class and beyond."   

Emma Grace Christopher, left, receives her Student of the 

month award from Crossville Mayor James Mayberry. 

Mayor Mayberry Proclaims Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, Event Saturday.

Crossville Mayor James Mayberry has proclaimed this week as National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week in Crossville.

The recognition runs through January 28 and the proclamation was presented to Steve Stone who accepted it on behalf of the group Cumberland County Rising.  The group is holding a Family Day Open House this Saturday from 10 AM until 3 PM at the Cumberland County Community Complex and the public is invited to attend and meet our community resources for the facts, prevention, treatment, and recovery of drug and alcohol addiction. Guest speakers, canine demo, activities for kids, Narcan Training, food, and more. The event is free.

Steve Stone, left, with Cumberland Co. Rising thanks

Mayor James Mayberry, right, and the CIty of Crossville

for their support of the group formed to work toward

reducing drug and alcohol use in the community. 

Mr. Stone made a few comments after accepting the proclamation saying, "I just want to thank the City of Crossville for helping get the coalition up and running.  We've got a lot of momentum and a lot of people involved.

Morristown Woman Charged with Filing a False Report in Sevierville Police Accusation

TBI Press Release

KNOXVILLE – An investigation by Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has led to the indictment of a Morristown woman accused of falsely reporting a sexual assault incident.

In April 2017, at the request of 4^th District Attorney General James Dunn, TBI Special Agents began investigating allegations of sexual assault involving three Sevierville police officers. Ashley Nicole Green (DOB 5-15-85) reported that she was sexually assaulted by the officers while she was unconscious. The investigation revealed that the incident did not occur.

On January 5th, the Sevier County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Green with one count of False Reporting. Green was arrested January 22, 2018, and booked into the Sevier County Jail on a $7,500 bond.

 

Ashley Nicole Green

Plans for Garrison Park Improvements Taking Shape

Progress on the preliminary plans for the improvements to Crossville's Garrison Park has been made and Tammy French, Crossville Parks and Recreation Department Director said that parts of the project will start going out to bid in about 45 days. 

In addition to a large playground and splash pad, the existing basketball court will be resurfaced, sidewalks constructed and a multi-purpose building will be built.  The building will house the pumps for the splash pad, 4 family restrooms and at the front will be a covered picnic pavilion.

Close up of plans for Phase 1 of Garrison Park

In the plan above you can see that there will be a large green space between the playground on the left and the splash pad on the right for play and frisbees and catch.  

French said that the splash pad would be 53 feet wide and 78 feet long with a variety of water structures.  A toddler area will be in one end and items for larger kids and even adults would be part of the installation.  The splash pad feature will use recirculating water that is filtered and treated.  

The playground is designed to be all-inclusive and will measure 60 feet wide and 100 feet long.  It will include swings and a play structure with a variety of activities.  

Plan showing the full park

In addition to oversight by Lose and Associates Engineers and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the project will be managed by a general contractor.  The playground and splash pad are expected to be bid separately to firms that specialize in those installations.  Work is expected to continue on the project much of this year. 

Cumberland County Sheriff's Department Investigating Pleasant Hill Homicide.

CCSD Press Release:

On January 21, 2018, at approximately 2:24 PM, the Cumberland County E911 received a telephone call requesting a welfare check at 423 Seagraves Rd. in the Pleasant Hill COmmunity of Cumberland County. The request was made by a family member to check on the welfare of Albin Buechel who lives at the address.

Cumberland County Sheriff's Office Deputies arrived at the residence located at 423 Seagraves Rd. at approximately 2:53 PM and discovered a male subject lying deceased on the floor inside the residence.  As deputies checked for signs of life and observed the scene, it was believed the manner of death was possibly the result of a homicide.

Investigators with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the district attorney's office of the 13th Judicial District shortly arrived on the scene and began processing the crime scene and conducting an investigation.  The identity of the deceased subject has been confirmed to be Albin Von Buechel age: 71.  Shortly after the investigation began it was confirmed that the cause of death was a homicide. The victim has been transported to the State of Tennessee Medical Examiners Office for autopsy.  A possible suspect has been into this homicide investigation has been identified but cannot be released at this time.  The investigation into this homicide is active and ongoing.

Cumberland County Sheriff's Office

County Court Clerk will take passport applications but turnaround time uncertain until government reopens

Cumberland County Court Clerk Larry Sherrill advised local residents who need to apply for a passport through his office that they will continue to take applications and submit them during the government shut down.

While it appears that the shutdown may be over quickly, Sherrill added that the closure may create some delays in getting passports back.  "The normal turn around time on passports is 6 to 8 weeks," said Sherrill, "but those times may be extended depending on how long the shutdown continues and what kind of a backup has been created."

Cumberland Co. Court

Clerk Larry Sherrill

Sherrill said that his office handles a large number of passport applications and renewals adding that the business is more than the fines and fees they collect for Criminal Court.

Should any future Federal Government shutdowns take place, Sherrill added that applications will still be available at his office on the third floor of the Justice Center.

Jim Young Reporter Blog Page breaks 500,000 page views.

Jim Young Reporter reaches an amazing milestone of over 500,000 page views on the blog page!

That is over

hits in a short 21 months!

Our numbers on our Facebook page are now well over 1,250,000 impressions.  If you have a message that needs to reach our Crossville audience, contact us at jimyoungreporter@gmail.com. 

Crossville Council calls special meeting Tuesday January 23 at 5:15 PM

Council Special Called Meeting January 23, 2018, at 5:15 PM

The Crossville City Council has a special called meeting set for Tuesday evening January 23 at 5:15 PM in Council Chambers at Crossville City Hall.  The agenda includes routine items, a grant possibility, and discussion of a citywide hotel/motel tax.

Crossville City Hall

Most of the items on the agenda are routine consent agenda items that the council has acted on before including second reading of an ordinance discouraging smoking at Garrison Park and the ordinance establishing a sports council.

Council will also consider authorizing the application for a $10,000 grant to US Bank for specialized playground equipment as part of the improvements to Garrison Park. The grant is used for musical play items for both developmentally challenged and general population youth. No match is required for this grant.

The main item causing the special call appears to be a discussion on a resolution to the Tennessee General Assembly requesting the state allow Crossville to impose a hotel/motel tax to be earmarked for economic development and tourism funding. The discussion is to be lead by Councilman Danny Wyatt. Currently, there is a county hotel/motel tax authorized here.  

Large Helicopters on maneuvers over Crossville Saturday.

A group of 3 helicopters flew over Crossville Saturday afternoon about 3 PM.

The choppers appeared to be Sikorsky Super Stallion heavy lifters that have a crew of 2 and can carry up to 19 additional passengers.  These choppers can also be used for transporting large items as well.

Photos of a similar flight indicate they may have flown over Nashville also on Saturday. 

Flight of choppers over the north end of Crossville.

Crossville Depot back open under city operation with remodeled meeting space.

The Crossville Depot is back open for business after the City of Crossville has taken over the operation of the historic building that opened in 1926.  The building houses a gift shop and meeting space and includes a small museum and caboose.

The large meeting space that makes up most of the building has been remodeled and now features hardwood floors.  For rental information and rates, contact the Depot or Crossville city hall.

Scroll to the bottom for a photo of the original Crossville Depot from the very early 1900s and an old photo of the depot in the 1960's.  The Tennessee Central Depot has been a part of Crossville's Downtown for 92 years.

The 1926 Crossville Depot and Caboose

The gift shop features products made in Tennessee

Checkers Anyone?

Newly improved meeting space with hardwood floors

Meeting Room kitchen with ice maker

Old luggage cart buffet and media center

Back Porch can also be used when the weather is nice.

A number of community members worked on the 

most recent round of improvements to the depot and

were recognized by the city including members of 

Downtown Crossville Inc. that had the new hardwood

floors installed, also Mikki Kavich, Peggy Welch and

Margo Carroll who were presented with the

Key to the Depot by city marketing director

Billy Loggins.

Brief History of Crossville's railroad service

Bob Patton and the Crossville Rotary Clubs worked to

restore the depot after the City bought the building from

the railroad in 1994. 

The Original Crossville Depot. Photo circa 1905 from

a postcard. This depot burned in 1925.

Note from when the new depot opened May 1, 1926.

The station agent at the time was E.M. Roland

The current depot in a photo from the 1960's.  Note the

old semaphore signal on the left.